Analysis of macular and nerve fiber layer thickness in multiple sclerosis patients according to severity level and optic neuritis episodes

Abstract

Introduction: Quantitative assessment of macular and nerve fibre layer thickness in multiple sclerosis patients with regard to expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and presence or absence of previous optic neuritis episodes.Methods: We recruited 62 patients with multiple sclerosis (53 relapsing-remitting and 9 secondary progressive) and 12 disease-free controls. All patients underwent an ophthalmological examination, including quantitative analysis of the nerve fibre layer and macular thickness using optical coherence tomography. Patients were classified according to EDSS as A (lower than 1.5), B (between 1.5 and 3.5), and C (above 3.5).Results: Mean nerve fibre layer thickness in control, A, B, and C groups was 103.35 +/- 12.62, 99.04 +/- 14.35, 93.59 +/- 15.41, and 87.36 +/- 18.75 mu m respectively, with statistically significant differences (P